CMA's Fan Fair 2003 is promising to be a much-see and be-at event like last year's, with its record-breaking attendance and downtown Nashville performances. Set for June 5-8 with hundreds of artists participating, more than 40 hours of concerts are planned at venues centrally located in downtown Nashville.
Fan Fair features nightly concerts at The Coliseum with state-of-the-art production, two huge concert stages and giant screens. Already scheduled to perform are Brooks & Dunn, Deana Carter, Kenny Chesney, Diamond Rio, Sara Evans, Lonestar, Martina McBride, Trace Adkins, Steve Azar, Chris Cagle, Terri Clark, Kellie Coffey, Bill Engvall, Andy Griggs, Jennifer Hanson, Tracy Lawrence, Little Big Town, MARCEL, Jo Dee Messina, John Michael Montgomery, Montgomery Gentry, Neal McCoy, Pinmonkey, Sixwire, Anthony Smith, Marty Stuart, Rick Trevino, Trick Pony, Keith Urban and Mark Wills.
"I've performed at Fan Fair every year since my first record was released," said Trace Adkins. "I would never consider NOT doing it!"
Jennifer Hansen added, "It's always been fun being a part of Fan Fair because for the past several years, I got to experience it singing background vocals for other artists. I've always wondered what it would be like to do my own show for the FF audience; this year, I get to finally find out."
"Our fans are our friends and we're looking forward to seeing a bunch of them this year at Fan Fair," said Troy Gentry and Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry.
In addition to the big nightly shows at The Coliseum, Fan Fair 2003 will feature daily concerts on two stages at Riverfront Park; nearly 30 hours of autograph signings Thursday-Sunday at Nashville Convention Center; late night music at Downtown clubs as part of Fan Fair After Hours; activities for the whole family at the Family Zone; the Second Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament; and new for 2003, a celebrity lecture series with stars answering questions adding a whole new dimension to the Fan Fair experience (separate ticket required). The stars of NBC Daytime will also make an encore appearance with actors from the NBC top-rated soaps "Days of our Lives" and "Passions" greeting fans and signing autographs.
Four-day ticket packages are divided into four categories, based on the level of reserved seating at The Coliseum. Fan Fair's new Gold Circle ticket package is already sold out. In 2003, CMA will continue its popular program of offering a discount for fans 18 and younger (with the exception of Gold Circle tickets), and as always, children 3 and younger are free – making Fan Fair an attractive family vacation destination.
On-site research conducted by Middle Tennessee State University revealed that Fan Fair attendees in 2002 were younger than in previous years. In fact, the average age went from 40.3 to 37.9. Attendees typically travel with friends and while Tennessee accounts for nearly 9 percent of Fan fair attendees, Ohio and Michigan are close with 6.5 and 6.3 percent. Attendance in 2002 was spread over all 50 states and 18 countries including Canada, England, Germany and Australia.
Four-day ticket packages include nightly concerts at The Coliseum; daily concerts at Riverfront Park Concert Stages; daily admittance to exhibits and autograph booths at the Nashville Convention Center; special appearances by the stars of NBC Daytime; the Family Zone, with activities for the whole family; Fan Fair After Hours with late-night music and specials at Downtown clubs; free in-town shuttles to Fan Fair event sites; the official 32nd Anniversary Collectors Program Book; Fan Fair Anniversary pin; and special discounts to area attractions, restaurants, shops and more.
Package types include full price (18 and under); Gold Circle (which is sold out); Floor (field), $145-$100; lower level, $125-$86; club level, $125-$86.
